Caught on the wrong side of the law

Well it finally happened, cycling through a red light, past bank tube stop on a cold summers day (it is England after all) I was caught by the police. Grabbing me as I cycled past P.C. I Have Had A Bad Day and I’m Going to Take it Out on You or whatever his name was, I was pulled off my bike.

At first I thought it was someone trying to hijack my bike but when I realised it was a police officer I glared “Yes, officer”. This served only to anger more the man of the law who proceeded to tell me the obvious. I had gone through a red light and that upset him.

Thinking up excuses as I grabbed a few short breaths I suggested the light was orange when I went through and why was I the only cyclist to be caught out of the two of us that went through the light.

The police man was having none of it. I paid my fine and learnt an important lesson – next time I will check for police before skipping a red light.

With a recent article stating that cycling down a one way street may be given the OK for cyclists could this one day extend to red/orange lights?

If any of London Cyclists’ readers have been caught by the police for anything I would love to hear from them, please leave a comment…

Early evening riding back to Battersea from Regent’s Park – through red light, very slowly, after having stopped and checked there was nothing coming. Red police car – very angry officers, didn’t get out of car, told me off, patronised me, I apologised and left – no fine.

I really don’t think the police know how to cope with cyclists skipping the light. I would think in most situations you would be able to get away with a caution. Thanks for your comments guys – Tim that’s very funny that we both got caught in the same place!

I don’t cross at red lights but I was still told off for crossing a road when it was green for pedestrians (albeit on the road bit not interfering with them walking) as it’s a dangerous and crazy idea to try to turn right there with plenty of cars behind you going straight. He knew I stopped at all other red lights/took the green lights for cars, still he was rather rude. Had to argue my way out of it!!
The best thing is he said he has never seen any altercations between drivers and cyclists at such corners although he cycles 8 hours a day!! Well, I only cycle for 1.5 hours a day but have done so for 3.5 years and I have seen plenty. There just is no support from the police or the law whatsoever. I will write to the ones responsible but I know it won’t change a thing.

Speaking as a pedestrian one has to cope with a myriad of dangers everyday, but cyclists are the most dangerous. All cyclists who ride on the pavement, or go through a red light, and genereally cycles where they shouldn’t are always the responsible ones. This is wrong they are all irresponsible. Whether the power source is mechanical or organic makes no metter. A lot of bikes build up a high speed and wouldn’t be able to stop if need be, the centre of gravity is too high. A car with such a high centre of gravity would be illegal. Cyclists are also very aggressive and do consider themselves above the law. Perhaps license plates and insurance would help, plus mandatory cycle test before being allowed out. Or lollipops could be issued as only children ride on the pavement. Be warned pedestrian resentment is building up.

As a motorcyclist who travels into central London nearly everday I have become infurriated with cyclists. Please read the highway code. Running red lights, not understanding priority, mounting the kerb and obstructing pedestrians, it’s a joke. YOU chose to ride a bike, set off earlier if you need to get there in a hurry. You cyclists are not above the law, but I reckon and see that you’re mostly taking the piss. Why are you surprised that the law are penalisng you? You’re breaking it.

I was cycling along Gresham Street, just round the corner from where you were caught, and went through a red light because it was a quiet road and there was not a single car in sight. I had failed to notice the two policemen on the pavement next to me who shouted at me as I was halfway across the junction, so I stopped, put my feet on the floor and sheepishly/awkwardly walked my bike back to where I’d come from!

As I subsequently cycled off (after a green light) they shouted “the Road Traffic Act applies to you too y’know!”.

I get their point but kind of wonder whether there might be more important crimes for them to be tackling in central London….

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